Waterford selector Dan Shanahan has become the latest backroom member in the GAA to accuse RTE's flagship GAA show - The Sunday Game - of having an influence over the CCCC with regards to player suspensions.

Waterford selector Dan Shanahan has become the latest backroom member in the GAA to accuse RTE's flagship GAA show - The Sunday Game - of having an influence over the CCCC with regards to player suspensions.

Connolly was subsequently handed a 12-week ban and will not be available until the All-Ireland semi-final, should the Dubs make it that far, with Gavin and Dublin refusing to speak individually to Sunday's host broadcasters RTE after Dublin's 31-point win over Westmeath in the Leinster SFC semi-final at Croke Park on Sunday.

Gavin, his backroom staff and the Dublin players opted not to partake in any television interviews on the grounds that they were unhappy with the television coverage of Connolly's 12-week suspension.

The three-time All-Ireland winning manager has since been backed in his stance by Galway manager Kevin Walsh and former Armagh boss Paul Grimley, with Waterford selector Shanahan now echoing Gavin's criticism's of The Sunday Game after Déise forward Stephen Bennett received a one-match ban for grabbing Damian Cahalane's helmet in Waterford's Munster semi-final loss to Cork a fortnight ago.

"I heard Jim Gavin on the radio talking about the CCCC and I don't know if Stephen would have been penalised if it wasn't highlighted on the Sunday Game, to be honest with you," Shanahan told the Waterford News and Star.

"We'll take it on the chin. Some other lad will come in and do the job and hopefully, we'll have Stephen back for the next day.

“No one wants to get suspended. There was an issue with Stephen that wasn’t seen by the officials as well, something happened to Stephen and there was nothing about it. He took it on the chin. He’s been good in training and hopefully the lads will drive it on for Saturday night.”

Stephen Bennett has received a one match ban for this. He should review Tommy Walsh clips to learn how to get away with this dark art. pic.twitter.com/24WoM5I5PD